Virtual Imaging Tech Helps People Get Over Social Anxieties

coondoggie writes "If you have ever visualized in your mind winning a race or overcoming a serious life hurdle then you understand at least some of the concept behind a new virtual video a technology that could help people with their social anxieties. Researchers say they have tested a system that lets people with all manner of social anxieties — from using public transportation and buying a drink at a bar to socializing at a party, shopping, or talking to a stranger — see themselves interacting in those situations via video capture."

Flooding

[GeekWithAKnife]

When it comes to anxiety it's fear that keeps people away. They refuse to face the source of their anxiety. One technique to overcome anxiety/fear is to flood -"flooding"

The idea is that anxiety cannot build indefinitely. It peaks and then subsides. So flooding puts you in anxiety inducing situations in increasing intensity. Let's put it this way, it's not for everyone.

Imaging helps people stay in relatively controlled environments to face their fears or source of anxiety in isolation. It like taking baby steps. So much easier to handle.

Something tells me that viewing some stressful images from your favorite tablet on a coach at home with a cup of tea is the way most people will choose to combat their social anxiety. that is rather than the flooding alternative that would just put you in direct contact with your source of anxiety.

I used to have pornography anxiety and from the comfort of my coach I slowly started to get over it. These days I can watch thousands of stressful images or even videos without a single panic attack. I'm cured. True story.

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This can only make it worse

[lfp98]

I'm thoroughly confident that if I ever had to actually (or virtually) see myself as others see me interacting in a social situation, I'd never go to a party again.